The Most Catches in International Cricket list is ruled by some of the best fielders the game has ever seen. Mahela Jayawardene holds the top spot with 440 catches, while Ricky Ponting (364) and Ross Taylor (351) follow close behind. These players have set high standards in fielding with their alertness, timing, and safe hands across all formats of the game.
Top 10 Catchers in International Cricket History
Fielding is as important as batting or bowling, and catching is a key part of it. This list of the top 10 catchers in international cricket history celebrates players who have made fielding their strength. Legends like Joe Root, Mahela Jayawardene, AB de Villiers, and Rahul Dravid have taken hundreds of catches across all formats, leaving a lasting mark on the game.
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1997–2015 | 652 | 768 | 440 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 560 | 717 | 364 |
| Ross Taylor (NZ) | 2006–2025 | 454 | 550 | 354 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 2008–2025 | 553 | 662 | 339 |
| Jacques Kallis (SA) | 1995–2014 | 519 | 664 | 338 |
| Rahul Dravid (IND) | 1996–2012 | 509 | 571 | 334 |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | 2010–2025 | 356 | 464 | 332 |
| Joe Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 374 | 513 | 320 |
| Stephen Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2008 | 396 | 480 | 306 |
| Graeme Smith (SA) | 2002–2014 | 347 | 454 | 292 |
DPMD Jayawardene (SL) – Master of Catches
| Format | Catches |
|---|---|
| Tests | 205 |
| ODIs | 218 |
| T20Is | 17 |
| Total | 440 |
Sri Lankan star Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the Most Catches in International Cricket, taking 440 catches in his long career. He was a master in the slips, reading the ball early and staying calm under pressure. His partnership with Kumar Sangakkara behind the wickets became one of the best in cricket history.
Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – Master of Catches & Elegant Batting Maestro
Batting Achievements:
- Tests: 11,814 runs, 34 centuries, 50 fifties, highest score 374, average 49.84
- ODIs: 12,650 runs, 19 centuries, 77 fifties, highest score 144, average 33.37
- T20Is: 1,493 runs, 1 century, 9 fifties, highest score 100, average 31.76
- Other formats: First-class: 17,838 runs; List A: 15,421 runs; T20s: 5,479 runs
- Boundaries: Over 2,600 fours and 270+ sixes across all formats
Bowling (Part-time Off-Spin):
- Tests: 6 wickets, best 2/32
- ODIs: 8 wickets, best 2/56
- T20s: 3 wickets, best 2/22
- Not a primary bowler but occasionally contributed crucial breakthroughs
Notable Records & Milestones:
- Part of record 624-run partnership with Sangakkara (2006, Test vs South Africa)
- 4th highest individual Test score: 374 runs
- ICC ODI Player of the Year 2006, Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2007
Ricky Ponting
| Format | Catches |
|---|---|
| Tests | 196 |
| ODIs | 160 |
| T20Is | 8 |
| Total | 364 |
Ricky Ponting ranks second for the Most Catches in International Cricket, with a total of 364 catches across all formats. Known for his sharp reflexes and athletic movements, Ponting was outstanding at cover and slip positions.
He took 196 catches in Tests, 160 in ODIs, and 8 in T20Is, proving his class in every format.
His quick reactions and fearless fielding set high standards for modern players. Ponting’s energy and commitment made him one of the finest fielders in cricket history.
Batting Achievements:
- Tests: 13,378 runs in 168 matches, 41 centuries, 62 fifties, highest score 257, average 51.85
- ODIs: 13,704 runs in 375 matches, 30 centuries, 82 fifties, highest score 164, average 42.03
- T20Is: 401 runs in 17 matches, 2 fifties, highest score 98*, average 28.64
- Boundaries in International Cricket: Over 2,781 fours and 245 sixes
Bowling (Part-time Right-arm Medium):
- Tests: 5 wickets, best 1/0
- ODIs: 3 wickets, best 1/12
- T20Is: Did not bowl internationally
- Occasional breakthroughs with his part-time medium pace
Notable Records & Achievements:
- Captained Australia to two ICC World Cup wins (2003, 2007)
- One of only a few players with over 13,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs
LRPL Taylor (NZ)
| Format | Catches |
|---|---|
| Tests | 163 |
| ODIs | 142 |
| T20Is | 49 |
| Total | 354 |
Ross Taylor was one of New Zealand’s most dependable fielders throughout his long career. With 354 catches to his name, he showed great anticipation and balance whether standing in the slips or guarding the outfield.
Taylor’s 163 catches in Tests, 142 in ODIs, and 49 in T20Is highlight his consistency across formats. His quick reactions and sharp focus often turned half-chances into wickets, making him a key part of New Zealand’s success for more than a decade.
Batting Achievements:
- Tests: 7,683 runs in 112 matches, 19 centuries, 35 fifties, highest score 290, average 44.66
- ODIs: 8,607 runs in 236 matches, 21 centuries, 51 fifties, highest score 181*, average 47.55
- T20Is: 1,954 runs in 106 matches, 7 fifties, highest score 63, average 26.05
- Boundaries in International Cricket: Over 1,768 fours and 274 sixes
Notable Records & Achievements:
- Key player in New Zealand’s rise in ICC tournaments during his career
- Played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 106 T20Is, showing longevity and adaptability across formats
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of modern cricket’s finest batsmen and a highly reliable fielder, with 439 international catches across Tests (121), ODIs (164), and T20Is (54). Renowned for his consistency and chase-master abilities, he has amassed over 27,600 international runs, including 82 centuries and 144 fifties, with a highest score of 254*.
Virat Kohli (IND) – Modern Master of Batting & Reliable Fielder
Fielding (Catches in International Cricket):
-
Total Catches: 439
- Tests: 121
- ODIs: 164
- T20Is: 54
Batting Achievements:
- Tests: 9,230 runs in 123 matches, 30 centuries, 31 fifties, highest score 254*, average 46.85
- ODIs: 14,255 runs in 305 matches, 51 centuries, 75 fifties, highest score 183, average 57.71
- T20Is: 4,188 runs in 125 matches, 1 century, 38 fifties, highest score 122*, average 48.69
- Boundaries in International Cricket: Over 3,077 fours and 440 sixes
Notable Records & Achievements:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 12,000 runs in ODIs
- Captain of India in all three formats, leading India to multiple ICC finals
Top 10 Most Catches in Test Cricket
Catches in Test cricket can often decide the outcome of a match, and the best fielders have made their mark by holding onto every opportunity. Over the years, players like Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis have stood out with their sharp reflexes, safe hands, and incredible consistency in the field. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in Test cricket, showcasing the fielding legends who have turned crucial moments into match-winning opportunities for their teams.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | JE Root (ENG) | 2012–2025 | 158 | 301 | 213 |
| 2 | R Dravid (IND) | 1996–2012 | 164 | 301 | 210 |
| 3 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 1997–2014 | 149 | 270 | 205 |
| 4 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2010–2025 | 119 | 227 | 201 |
| 5 | JH Kallis (SA) | 1995–2013 | 166 | 315 | 200 |
| 6 | RT Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 168 | 328 | 196 |
| 7 | ME Waugh (AUS) | 1991–2002 | 128 | 245 | 181 |
| 8 | AN Cook (ENG) | 2006–2018 | 161 | 300 | 175 |
| 9 | SP Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2008 | 111 | 199 | 171 |
| 10 | GC Smith (SA) | 2002–2014 | 117 | 225 | 169 |
Top 10 Most Catches in ODI Cricket
Catches often make the difference between winning and losing in ODIs, and some of the best fielders in history have made their mark with safe hands and sharp reflexes. Players like Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Mohammad Azharuddin, and AB de Villiers have consistently taken crucial catches and saved runs for their teams. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in ODI cricket, showcasing the legends whose fielding skills have turned key moments in matches.
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1998–2015 | 448 | 443 | 218 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 2008–2025 | 305 | 302 | 164 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995–2012 | 375 | 372 | 160 |
| Mohammad Azharuddin (IND) | 1985–2000 | 334 | 332 | 156 |
| Ross Taylor (NZ) | 2006–2022 | 236 | 232 | 142 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1989–2012 | 463 | 456 | 140 |
| Stephen Fleming (NZ) | 1994–2007 | 280 | 276 | 133 |
| Jacques Kallis (SA) | 1996–2014 | 328 | 324 | 131 |
| Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000–2015 | 265 | 257 | 130 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) | 1993–2011 | 350 | 347 | 130 |
Top 10 Most Catches in T20IS Cricket
In the fast-paced T20 format, every catch counts and can change the momentum of a match instantly. Some of the finest fielders in the world have made their mark with quick reflexes and safe hands in crucial moments. Players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Ross Taylor, MS Dhoni, and David Warner have stood out for their consistency and agility in T20Is. This section highlights the top players with the most catches in T20I cricket, celebrating the fielding legends who have turned tight games in their team’s favor.
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Catches |
| 1 | DA Miller (SA) | 2010–2024 | 130 | 129 | 81 |
| 2 | Mohammad Nabi (AFG) | 2010–2025 | 142 | 142 | 76 |
| 3 | Muhammad Waseem (UAE) | 2021–2025 | 89 | 89 | 70 |
| 4 | MJ Guptill (NZ) | 2009–2022 | 122 | 121 | 68 |
| 5 | GH Dockrell (IRE) | 2010–2025 | 146 | 143 | 66 |
| 6 | TG Southee (NZ) | 2008–2024 | 126 | 124 | 65 |
| 7 | RG Sharma (IND) | 2007–2024 | 159 | 159 | 65 |
| 8 | DA Warner (AUS) | 2009–2024 | 110 | 110 | 62 |
| 9 | GJ Maxwell (AUS) | 2012–2025 | 124 | 123 | 62 |
| 10 | S Muniandy (MAS) | 2019–2025 | 105 | 103 | 60 |
Final Words
Fielding is often called the backbone of cricket, and catches are one of the most crucial ways a fielder can influence a match. The players featured in this guide—legends like Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, and Jacques Kallis—have shown how sharp reflexes, safe hands, and consistent effort can turn the tide in crucial moments.
From Tests to ODIs to T20Is, these top catchers have not only made history with their numbers but have also set a standard for future generations. Their contributions remind us that cricket is not just about batting and bowling—it’s also about brilliance in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has taken the most catches in international cricket?
Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the most catches across all formats of international cricket, with over 440 catches in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined.
2. Which player has the most catches in Test cricket?
Joe Root of England leads the charts in Test cricket, with 213 catches in 158 matches.
3. Who holds the record for most catches in ODIs?
Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene tops the ODI fielders’ list, with 218 catches in 448 matches.
4. Which fielder has the most catches in T20Is?
David Miller from South Africa is the leading catcher in T20Is, with 81 catches in 130 matches.
5. Why are catches important in cricket?
Catches can change the course of a match. A single catch can dismiss a key batsman, shift momentum, and boost the team’s morale.
6. Are all fielders equally skilled at taking catches?
No. Fielders in slips, close-in positions, or the outfield often specialize in catching. Players like Rahul Dravid, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli are known for exceptional reflexes and safe hands.
7. Do wicketkeepers count in this list?
This guide focuses on catches taken by non-wicketkeepers. Wicketkeepers have separate records for dismissals, including catches and stumpings.
